Graphic data system for scanning and recording two-dimensional contours

ABSTRACT

This specification describes a coordinatograph system in which point data on a two-dimensional contour drawing may be located and registered in a data recording medium where the data may be used, with the aid of a specially programmed computer, to prepare a control tape for a numerically controlled machine tool.

a United States Patent 1 3,602,638

[72] Inventors George Pascoe; 2,561,654 7/1951 Eller 318/20.270 James E. Merkle, both otDearborn, Mich. 2,670,456 2/1954 Naylor... 318/20270 [21] Appl. No. 621,211 3,178,717 4/1965 Fengler. 250/202 [22] Filed Mar.7, 1967 3,366,934 1/1968 Kelsey 318/20.160 {45] Patented Aug.3l, 1971 3,384,797 5/1968 Benton... 318/20.120 [73] Assignee Ford Motor Company 3,398,452 8/1968 Little 318/20.105 Dearborn,Mich. 2,781,848 2/1957 Thomas..... 346/33 MC 3,024,396 3/1962 Peckjian 346/33 MC [54] GRAPHIC DATA SYSTEM FOR SCANNING AND OTHER REFEREITICES RECORDING TWQDIMENSIONAL CONTOURS Gomolak, Better and Faster Design By Machine, Elec- Claim 61 Drawing Figs. tronics, June 1, 1964, pgs. 64- 71 i 521 u.s.c|., 178/6.8

250202318568 318/577 AssislantExaminer-Joseph A. Orsino,Jr. [5|] lnt.Cl H04n 7/18, Ammeys john Faulkner and D9nald Harrington (3051) 1/06 [50] Field otSearch 250/202; 1 1 318/ 20108 201201 ABSTRACT: This specification describes a coordinatograph 20270568569577;178/633346/33 MC system in which point data on a two-dimensional contour drawing may be located and registered in a data recording [56] References cued medium where the data may be used, with the aid of a spe- UNITED STATES PATENTS cially programmed computer, to prepare a control tape for a 2,473,424 6/1949 Grabau 318/20Ql60 numerically controlled machine tool.

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I PATENTE U hits 1 1971 PATE'NTED meal I971 3,602,638

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1. A contour data recording system comprising a draft plate supporting table, a coordinate ''''X'''' axis and ''''Y'''' axis carrier assembly comprising a carriage beam extending over the plane of said table in close proximity thereto and in parallel disposition therewith, said beam being situated with its principal geometric axis in the direction of the coordinate ''''Y'''' axis, a cross member supporting one end of said beam, said cross member being movably mounted on said cable on one margin thereof, the direction of motion of said cross member being parallel to the ''''X'''' axis direction, an electrical impulse generator carried by said beam and drivably coupled thereto whereby it is adapted to generate an electrical impulse voltage for each incremental movement thereof in a ''''Y'''' axis direction, a carrier movably mounted on said beam and supporting said impulse generator, an optical scanner carried by said carrier, a second impulse voltage generator carried by said cross member, said second impulse generator being coupled drivably to said table where it is adapted to generate a voltage impulse for each incremental movement of said beam in an ''''X'''' axis direction, two driving and two driven electrical units, one of said driven electrical units being connected to said cross member and the other being connected to said carrier, operator-controlled drive means for driving said driving electrical units whereby manual ''''Y'''' axis adjustments and manual ''''X'''' axis adjustments of said scanner can be accomplished, the drive means for driving said driving electrical units comprising both a coarse adjustment hand element and a fine adjustment hand element adapted to be connected drivably to said driving electrical units, said drive means including speed reducing torque transmission elements between one of said fine adjustment hand elements and its associated driving electrical unit to permit increased sensitivity in the adjustment of said scanner in the ''''Y'''' axis direction, said cross member comprising a pair of rollers spaced at a substantial span in the ''''X'''' axis direction, a rail mounted on one side of said table, said rollers engaging said rail and movable therealong during ''''X'''' axis adjustments and means for supporting the opposite end of said beam comprising a relatively friction free bearing between said beam and said table, the bearing at said opposite end of said beam comprising an air pressure manifold carried by said beam, an air bearing surface carried by said table, said manifold having a flat surface situated in juxtaposed relationship with respect to said table bearing surface, at least one air jet extending through said manifold surface and means for supplying pressurized air to said jet whereby a relatively friction-free air cushion is established between said manifold and said table bearing surface. 